On Woody Guthrie: "in a short life he saw so much, but he was really present and there with people. I think he's just really vital, not just in his vision, but as a spokesman for America."

Beat the heat with a blast of Brit-rock cool, reggae rhythms, and air-conditioned vocal bliss. This week's releases cover the four corners of the musical world, traveling from heavy metal blues-rock to serious blue-haired schmaltz.

With regards to Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, is it easy or hard for Gene Simmons to transform himself from an everyday person into a savior of rock 'n' roll?

It's never too late to get a recommendation for great music. So here are my picks for the best albums of 2009.

Born in Athens, Georgia, Peyroux spent her teen years in Paris, where she developed a love for jazz. But there are no musical boundaries for Peyroux.